Pocono Seeking Fan for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest

LONG POND, PA (April 16, 2014) – Pocono Raceway is looking for two race fans, a male and female contestant, to be their ‘top dogs’ and participate in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier, at the Infield Block Party stage, on Saturday, June 7. The Infield Block Party and annual Saturday Night Firework Show will be open to the public, for a donation to benefit the Tunkhannock Township (PA) Volunteer Fire Department. These events take place prior to the Pocono 400, featuring the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, on Sunday, June 8.

The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier at Pocono is one of 13 taking place across the county. Male and female winners, from each qualifier, gain entry into the annual finals at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY, on July 4. Interested fans can visit http://www.poconoraceway.com/hotdog14 for more information and to register to win entry into the Pocono qualifier. Must be 18 years of age to enter.

“This is definitely a unique opportunity which I hope race fans will ‘relish,’” said Pocono Raceway President/CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. “It will be interesting to see, if those Pocono fans fall behind in the competition, if they will be able to ‘ketchup’ to the professional eaters participating. ‘Buns’ aside, we are really looking forward to welcoming Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs here for their qualifier and to see who will eat the most ‘wieners.’”

“We’re excited to bring our Nathan’s Famous qualifying tour to Pocono Raceway, on a NASCAR race weekend,” said Nathan’s Famous Vice President of Franchise Operations, Randy Watts. “Our licensing partner John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods who sponsors Aric Almirola and the famed No. 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports, will run a Nathan’s Famous paint scheme for the first time during the Pocono 400 race weekend. Additionally we’ll be hosting some of our top eaters competing to qualify for the July 4th main event, which is sure to make this a weekend you will not want to miss in Pennsylvania.”

Pocono Raceway will open its infield gates to all fans on Saturday, June 7, to not only watch the hot dog eating contest, but to join in the fun at the Infield Block Party and Saturday Night Fireworks Show. The Infield Block Party will feature live bands and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. The general public are invited to enter our Gate 1 Tunnel for a $5 donation, per carload, to our local fire department starting at (exact time is TBD) p.m.